faithallison

Tom’s has ice cream that is just out of this world. It’s like a good old fashioned ice cream parlor. It’s absolutely the only thing I miss about Zanesville.

You must go to Platter’s on Oliver Street and eat much Orange Chocolate!!

Absolutely breathtaking view of the surrounding Glastonbury countryside. I felt more at peace here than just about anywhere else in the world. Although I’m not generally a believer in the spiritual aspects that get brought up about the Tor and the area in general, I personally felt a deep inner peace while here.

Then again, that could have been just the lack of oxygen from the climb in the cool late spring wind while I was pitifully out of shape.

I think everyone should experience the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, held in Morgan City every Labor Day weekend (hurricanes notwithstanding… Andrew shut it down, and Gustav cut it short). Always a fun time, and you definitely meet some interesting locals.

Kew Gardens was one of my favorite places to be in London. I visited my final full day in the UK, and it was the perfect way to end my trip. The gardens are absolutely beautiful. I found a rose there that I’ve come to love as the most perfectly scented rose I’ve ever encountered (Gertrude Jekyll, by David Austin). There were lily pads that I could have laid on, and bamboo that grew as much as my kids each day. The pagoda was breathtaking, and sitting in the grass in front of it has been one of the most child-like and peaceful experiences of my adult life. (The grass isn’t just grass; it’s an amazing blend of… who knows what. There are little bits of everything in a square meter patch!)

I’d recommend Kew to anyone, tourist and local alike. If you can budget at least half a day, spend it. You won’t be disappointed.